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. 2025 Nov 11.
doi: 10.1002/vetr.5922. Online ahead of print.

Influence of ewe metabolic status on failure of passive transfer of immunity and lamb production in a UK lowland flock

Rob F Kelly  1 , Amy Jennings  1   2 , Elizabeth Burrough  1 , Geraldine Russell  1 , Katie Adam  1 , Emily Gascoigne  3 , Peers L Davies  4 , Jennifer S Duncan  4 , Andy Hopker  1 , Robert M Hyde  5 , Fiona M Lovatt  5 , Ann Bruce  6 , Alexander Corbishley  1
Affiliations

Influence of ewe metabolic status on failure of passive transfer of immunity and lamb production in a UK lowland flock

Rob F Kelly et al. Vet Rec. .

Abstract

Background: Inadequate ewe nutrition is an important driver for neonatal lamb losses, although the association of ewe metabolic status with lamb passive transfer status is poorly understood. This study investigates the relationship between ewe metabolic status, neonatal lamb losses, failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPTI) and lamb growth.

Methods: Ewes were blood sampled to assess metabolic status 3 weeks prior to the start of lambing. Within 8‒24 hours of birth, individual lamb weights, sex and litter size were recorded. Lambs were blood sampled to measure serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) to assess FPTI, and lamb outcomes were recorded until weaning.

Results: Ewes had decreased odds of losing a lamb if they were scanned with twins and had a higher plasma albumin concentration. Lambs had an increased risk of FPTI (serum IgG < 24 mg/mL) if they were triplet lambs and if their mothers had increased plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Lambs with FPTI had increased odds of reduced growth (<0.26 kg/day).

Limitations: This study was conducted in a single, well-managed, lowland flock. Therefore, the results may not be more widely generalisable.

Conclusions: This study highlights the potential association between ewe nutritional status, FPTI and lamb growth and indicates a need for a consensus IgG cut-off value for FPTI in lambs.

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References

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